All American Eisenhower presides at Canterbury

All American’s progressive son Eisenhower presided over a trio of Arrowfield-sired winners at Canterbury on Thursday.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse gave the 3YO gelding an each way chance on the basis of his two previous wins, unbeaten first-up record and two recent trials, but noted that 1100 metres was short of his best trip.

Jockey Blake Shinn accordingly settled Eisenhower well back off the pace, with plenty of galloping room. As the field began to straighten up, they took their opportunity on the fence, claimed the lead and came home strongly to win by a half-length from Lockroy with the favourite Prince Mayted a length away in third place.

It was Eisenhower’s third win from four starts and he can be expected to line up in stakes company fairly soon in this preparation. A $75,000 Star Thoroughbreds purchase from Musk Creek Farm’s draft at the 2013 Inglis Melbourne Sale, Eisenhower is the best performer among four foals left by Princess Chutima (by Regal Classic), a winning sister to Group winner Thong Classic.

Earlier in the day the Waterhouse also sent out Snitzel filly Sweet Redemption to become the first 2YO winner for Round Table Racing and her sire’s 13th juvenile winner in Australia & New Zealand this season.

The Arrowfield treble was completed by 3YO filly Defender (Redoute’s Choice-Alinghi) who showed plenty of grit to defeat the favourite Miss Royale whose jockey Blake Shinn suffered a mid-race wardrobe malfunction and displayed rather more than a clean pair of heels to the third placegetter named, believe it or not, Modesty.

Defender, trained by Hawkes Racing for her owner-breeders Arrowfield, John Leaver & Alan Jones, is a three-quarter sister to the $1.8 million Snitzel-Alinghi colt purchased by David Raphael & Gerald Ryan at the Inglis Easter Sale earlier this month.She is also a half-sister to Line Honours (by Hussonet), dam of the 2YO Redoute’s Choice filly Regatta Rebel, second at her debut in the ATC Kindergarten S. G3 on 6 April.